THE date has been set for the much-anticipated grand opening of Canvey’s first ever Lidl store.

Bosses at Lidl have now announced their new budget supermarket, in Northwick Road, Canvey, is set to open on Thursday, August 27.

Lidl has been working to tight schedules with construction firm Adston to help build the store which is set to create up to 40 new jobs.

The completion of the new supermarket comes after rival Aldi announced plans for eight new stores across south Essex, including in Basildon, Canvey, Leigh, Rayleigh, Rochford or Hockley, Shoebury, Stanford-le-Hope or Corringham and Tilbury, back in June.

The supermarket comes after the land was sold to the chain by previous owner, Castle Point Council leader Norman Smith.

Wishing them luck, Mr Smith said: “This is something I’m really happy about, and I’m absolutely delighted to see Lidl going there.

“Looking at it driving past, the store looks virtually ready now, so you could only guess they were expected to open pretty soon.

“There isn’t a Lidl or even an Aldi on Canvey, it’s something we have all been seeking for quite a long time.

“I still remember when the idea first came about, it cropped up when new factories were being built on Canvey, so we moved, and Lidl took it’s place.

“It was better for them, for me, and our residents. I think people will be really excited about this and I wish the team every success.”

The proposal was first mooted in July 2018 when Mr Smith was contacted by Lidl asking if any of his land was available for sale.

According to a survey by the firm, a total of 939 residents were in favour of the brand building a new store on Canvey and only 35 were not.

Peter Greig, Canvey Independent councillor for Canvey Winter Gardens, added: “Although we do already have quite a lot of supermarkets, this is definitely something everyone has been after- I think the nearest Lidl is quite a drive away in Hadleigh.

“Next I think we could do with a large DIY store like Homebase or B&Q.”

Further details on the Lidl opening are expected to be announced next week.